Remembering and Reflecting
I'm never really good at these kinds of emotional speeches, though I will try my best.
November 11th was a day my grandmother always described as the ‘most somber day of the year’. Over the years I have heard that term used by about a half-a-dozen others, all of whom do their best to pretend today doesn't exist.
Today is one of the most emotional days of the year for many. It is a day that we are reminded of the sacrifices given, the lives taken by those who chose to give themselves to home and country. Those who unfortunately did not make it back.
For most of my youth, Remembrance Day in school was focused on the conflict in Afghanistan. For my family it was a time of brief reflection and then moving on. Occasionally there would be discussion of family lost during the Second World War, or even in Vietnam where a surprising number of my extended family also served.
My congregation, primarily of an older crowd did not make a deal of today. There would be words spoken, and prayers given but never would it be given much more than a glancing mention. I thiught that was the standard for many others.
It was only after growing up, moving around, and experiencing new perspectives that I got the weight of what today means for many. My family chose to keep Remembrance Day quiet and undiscussed. That is how they grieved, in silence and self-reflection.
You don't appreciate the weight of something until you hear from thr people who lost children, friends, partners. Until you see communities come together in support and collective grief. It wasn't until I was an adult that I could grasp today for what it is.
Everyone reflects, grieves, and remembers in different ways. I have yet to figure out how I do, and I am sure many here are similar. Thats okay though. I have dedicated this year myself to learning about those in my extended family who made that sacrifice, so that they might have someone who will remember them.
In the meantime, organizations like the Canadian Hero Fund, Canadian Fallen Heroes, and as always the Royal Canadian Legion are all in need of support, and im sure would be very thankful for it. We don't have many organizations dedicated to the fallen, however the few we do have do trememndous work year after year in support, borh to memory and the families left behind.
On that note as well Remembrance is also a time to reflect on history. To that I suggest supporting the Museum's and historical organizations in your area, or organizations like Project Athena that keep those histories alive. There are many, so I won't give a big list. Perhaps I will make one to share around.
I hope you all find peace in today, and take your time to reflect and grieve as you see fit.